INTERVIEWS AND SOUNDBYTES

1. Interview those closest to the heart of the story: Its not the best idea to interview people that have been handpicked by the PR company. Instead, try and speak to people who are directly affected, weather in a position of authority or expertise or because they feel the impact. At other times, you will need the voice of the people or vox pop to bring in the common mans perspective vox pops always work best when there are more than one, to a give an overview of the general consensus. Always remember to take bytes/interviews that balance your story. 2. Speak to your interviewee: To keep your story balanced, you might sometimes require a particular take (for or against) on a topic. To avoid reaching your interview spot and then finding out that your interviewee does not hold the opinion you expected, you must talk beforehand to the person. 3. Know what you want from the interviewee: A pro interview is sharp and focused. It is amateur for a journalist to show up unprepared and conduct interviews that are long and unfocused. 4. Prepare questions but avoid constantly looking at the list: If you look at the list for every question, you lose eye contact with the guest, stop listening and often miss out on important follow up questions. 5. Get an interview or byte for a perspective: All facts and information of the story should be in your script with your own voice over. The interviewee is needed to get an expert opinion. Ask morehow and why questions than what and when questions unless what and when are the news point and fit into your script well.

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6. Unless your interview is being aired in full or partially edited form as a Q&A session, you will generally use only soundbytes from the interview for daily news stories. For soundbytes , keep the following in mind: As is the case with any other aspect of your story, each story should convey one main point. Bytes should not exceed 30 seconds. Bytes should express a viewpoint rather than just giving facts and figures. They should be interesting and relevant. Each byte should be clear and easy to understand As with other parts of the story, even the most interesting byte can lose impact if its not tied well in with the script. It is best to identify the interviewee in the script. For example, look at how the following script is written without any transition into and out of the soundbyte: VO 1: The SEC accuses him of fraud, but the CEO of Jet Star denies all charges. The board of directors have already distanced themselves by saying it will institute an enquiry into the alleged evidence. Company spokesperson Mr. Thomas Joseph made the company stance clear to the shareholders at a press conference BYTE 1: Mr. Brian Timothy, CEO, Jet Star: I have never taken money, these allegations are completely baseless, and the visuals have been made up. These days technology can do wonders. VO 2: 14 hours remain before the SEC meet again, this time in Hanoi. Meanwhile, video experts say the footage is authentic and has not been tampered with and office records prove that Mr. Brian Timothy was in Saigon at the time.

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This script can be better written to weave in the byte with the script: VO 1: The SEC accuses him of fraud, and now, the Companys spokesperson says there will be an enquiry into the allegations yet another indication that the Board of Directors are trying to distance themselves from the scandal. On his part, the company CEO denies all charges of fraud. BYTE 1: Mr. Brian Timothy, CEO, Jet Star: I have never taken money, these allegations are completely baseless, and the visuals have been made up. These days technology can do wonders. VO 2: Though Mr. Brian Timothy says the footage is false, video experts have already confirmed its authenticity. And office records prove that the CEO was in the office at the time. More will become clear when the commission meets 14 hours from now, in Hanoi. This script is also a lot less scattered than the first script. It has the same information but each detail is tied into the next.

CHECKLIST
1. Have you prepared for the interview? Do you know what you are looking for? 2. Are your questions open minded enough for the interviewee to speak, as well as direct enough for him to stay on topic? 3. Is your soundbyte interesting, relevant and clearly understandable? 4. Is each soundbyte focused on one main point? 5. Are the soundbytes linked in well with the script?

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PIECE TO CAMERA
PTCs allow the reporters to establish credibility of the story by being on location. A PTC is also useful to demonstrate a complex process/technology or to give more information that does not fit into the script. Since a PTC adds a visual element to the story, it is critical to shoot a PTC at a location that is relevant to the story. 3 types of PTCs: 1. Opening PTC The story opens with a PTC on location. This form of PTC is rarely used unless the location or demonstration of a process is the key to the story. 2. Mid PTC Also known as Bridge PTC as it allows the reporter to link one part of the story to the next part. 3. End PTC This is the most common placement of a PTC as it offers the reporter a way to present a concluding thought.

CHECKLIST
1. Does your PTC tie into the main point if the story? 2. Does the background/location of the PTC accurately reflect the story? 3. Are you able to say what you want clearly and simply? 4. Do you come across as natural and conversational as you deliver the PTC? 5. Is your voice and pitch normal? 6. If you are moving your hands about, does it add to your ease or is it just distracting for the viewer? 7. As you review your PTC: Are you professional? Convincing? Do you look appropriate for television? What could work better? The material and information contained in this document is strictly copyrighted by NDTV Worldwide. Any use of the material without prior written consent of the company is strictly prohibited

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